using ercm viewer software r1-3 - aci services, inc.aciservicesinc.com/download_files/using ercm...

OPERATORS MANUAL

Rev 1.3

October 2005

ACI Services, Inc. 125 Steubenville Ave.

Cambridge, Ohio 43725 Phone: 740.435.0240

Fax: 740.435.0260 Email: [email protected] URL: www.ACIServicesInc.com

Rev 1.3 ACI’s eRCM Viewer™ Operators Manual Page 1 of 16

www.aciservicesinc.com Phone: (740) 435-0240 Fax: (740) 435-0260

125 Steubenville Ave. Cambridge, Ohio 43725

Table of Contents

Introduction........................................................................................................................... 1 General Use ...................................................................................................................... 2-3 Miscellaneous Items .......................................................................................................... 4-6 File Menu.............................................................................................................................. 7 Options Menu .................................................................................................................... 8-9 Help Menu .......................................................................................................................... 10 Printing Graphs.............................................................................................................. 11-12 New Items...................................................................................................................... 13-14 Software License ........................................................................................................... 15-16

Introduction Using either ACI’s eRCM software package, or Ajax’s eAjax software package, an engineer can create eRCM Viewer files. The eRCM Viewer software allows for dynamic review of individual point performance, and full map performance via multiple types of compressor curves using technology from ACI’s eCurves®. Users can print detailed reports and/or entire complements of full-color performance curves. Furthermore, other ACI software, such as eRCM Controller™, eStationFlow™, eRCM Evaluator™, eRCM ActiveX™, and eRCM MultiServices™ all make use of the same eRCM Viewer file format. For additional order information about other ACI software for reciprocating compressors, please contact ACI at 1.740.435.0240, 9AM – 5PM EST.




General Use When you receive an eRCM Viewer file (*.rvf) you may load it into the eRCM Viewer by selecting File-Load eRCM Viewer File. Once this file is loaded, you may analyze the reciprocating compressor's performance either on a point basis, or on a range/graphical basis. To analyze the data on a point basis, select the Point Performance tab. Located towards the lower middle of the screen is an area that details the allowed ranges for various operating parameters. You may either enter your exact operating point, or select it by using the adjacent sliders. If you enter a point less than the minimum allowed value, then the minimum value will be used. If you enter a point more than the maximum allowed value, then the maximum value will be used. As you change the operating point, the data in the Current Point's Detailed Analysis region will be updated. This section will report: information about the unit; errors encountered such as Exceeding Cylinder's MAWP, High Discharge Temperatures, etc.; information about each stage of the unit; results of rod load calculations (gas and net), and results of crosshead pin reversal calculations; various items about the cylinders such as flows, horsepowers, isentropic efficiencies, volumetric efficiencies, etc. for both the Head End and the Crank End; and any special notes the author of the eRCM file included. Access to some features to a particular eRCM Viewer file may be limited. To view performance over an entire range, select the Performance Curves tab. Here you can elect what type of graph to view and then adjust the various operating parameters to generate the resulting performance curves. If you want to avoid certain load step curves, simply toggle them off/on via the Load Step's list of checkboxes. Moreover, if you want the Viewer to automatically pick the best load step for the current operating point, then select one of the methods via the pull down menu adjacent to the Load Steps area. When in graph mode, you can drag the crosshair on the graph to move the current operating point. To jump between load steps, select a new load step in the Load Step box – your current load step will be highlighted (in magenta color).




To preview Suction Pressure versus Discharge Pressure graphs, also known as Thumbnail Plots, click on the Suction vs Disch. tab. You will be presented with a dialog box similar to:

You can either view a series of load and flows curves for the current load step (first option) or you can view more detailed information about one load step for a desired load (second option). These thumbnail curves can take awhile to plot on slower machines, so please be patient.




Miscellaneous Items Variable Volume Pockets: For units that have manual and/or automated VVPs, you can model opening and closing them via the V.V.P.s tab. As you adjust the position of each of the VVPs, the point and/or graph performance will dynamically change. Selection of the in. checkbox will result in displaying of inches of travel open per VVP as you change them. The throw number and stage of each VVP device is shown via the T=1:S=2 labels. If you need to know the cylinder number on which the VVP is located, place you mouse over any of the T=2:S=2 labels. To lock a particular VVP from subsequent changes, check the box next to that device. Once check, the input box and slider will no longer be useable. Also, any locked devices will not be considered when Auto Setting VVPs and/or synchronizing VVPs. To unlock the VVP, uncheck the box. To synchronize the opening/closing of all VVPs, or just those within the same stage, change the Don’t Synch VVPs to either Synch Stage VVPs or to Synch All VVPs. To return to the normal mode of being able to adjust each VVP individually, set the dropdown list back to Don’t Synch VVPs. Clicking the Auto Set VVPs button will result in eRCM Viewer auto-determining the VVP settings for all unlocked VVPs so that maximum load is achieved for the currently load step while still maintaining safety. For more VVPs usage notes, please read the items displayed via the Hints button. Unit Tab: This tab displays the current load, flow and torque based on the current operating point and the current load step. If there are any issues with using the selected load step at the current operating point, then errors and/or warnings will be displayed in the Problem(s) Predicted box. Max Allowed Load value may change with speed, ambient temperature and user-specified torque setting. Rated Load (at rated speed) and Max Driver Load are displayed for reference purposes.




Stages Tab: Shows various information about each stage. Throws Tab: Shows various information about each throw. Cylinders Tab: Shows various information about each end of each cylinder.




Notes Tab: Noteworthy information about the unit. Information Tab: This tab can show additional hardware and unloading specifications about the unit, or if provided, may show a unit diagram. Special Notes:

• Limited Availability: Certain eRCM Viewer files (usually preliminary ones, or ones not yet purchased) are limited to thirty (30) of use. After that period, they will no longer load into the eRCM Viewer.

• Moving Files: If you want to copy/move an eRCM Viewer model, then make sure you move/copy all files in the selected folder with the same name as the base “rvf” file.

Shortcuts:

• When in Manual Load Step selection mode, double-click a load step in the graph box to auto-select it. • Double-click y-axis labels to change the y-axis scaling.




File Menu

Load eRCM Viewer File: Clears all existing data and loads in an eRCM Viewer file. To load all versions of eRCM Viewer files, make sure you have the latest version of the viewer. Print Point Report: Prints to the select printer, a report detailing the performance results based on the current operating point. Results include: Load, Flow, Validity of current Load Step at these conditions, Stage Performance, Throw Performance, and Individual Cylinder End Performance. This feature is not always available, depending on the settings of the viewer file. Print Graph: Prints to the select printer the current compressor performance curves. This feature is not always available, depending on the settings of the viewer file. Generate Multipoint Report: If you need to check a lot of measured operating points against eRCM's predictions, create a table of the required operating point data (see above dialog box) and save that file as an ASCII, comma-delimited text file. Next, load the file into eRCM Viewer via the Generate Multipoint Report option and run it. Finally, open the newly created file into a spreadsheet program and review any discrepancies between measured and predicted values. Note: If the original file is named "C:\TestFile.TXT", then the file with the eRCM Viewer predictions will be entitled "C:\TestFileX.TXT". Exit: Exits the eRCM Viewer software. 1: Filename and Pathway: Lists your last loaded file – used to quickly reload the last accessed file.




Options Menu

Units of Measure: User may select from Imperial (English), Canadian Metric, and SI Metric. Once selected, eRCM remembers this setting until changed later.

Item Imperial Metric-Canada Metric-SI Pressure psig & psia kPa and kPaA bar & barg

Temperature °F & °R °C and K °C and K Load HP and BHP KW KW Flow MMscfd Mscmd (decs) MMscmd

Force lbf Kgf Kgf Use Absolute instead of Gage: Normal mode is that suction and discharge pressures are shown as gage pressures. However, you may toggle between gage and absolute pressures via this menu item. Rescale Y-axis: Allows you to rescale the Y-Axis so that the minimum and maximum values used to plot the curves are chosen by you, instead of the those chosen by the software. An onscreen axis will show you the subsequent divisions based on your new upper and lower limits. Reset Y-axis: Resets the Y-Axis back to minimum and maximum values chosen by the software. Play Demonstration: When activated, eRCM Viewer simulates monitoring real-time changes in operating conditions. A crosshair with fading trails indicates recent trends.




Metric Calculator: Simple calculator to convert between Imperial and Metric units. Information about current file...: Details information about the current eRCM Viewer file. Setup Monitoring Connections...: Displays a dialog box to indicated the PLC/HMI tagnames for OPC and/or DDE connections to live sensor data. Activate Monitoring...: Turns on/off the connection to the OPC Server and/or to DDE server. Do no cliip curves...: Instead of clipping curves, a dotted extension is shown to indicate the unsafe/undesirable areas of operations.




Help Menu

Update eRCM Viewer...: If you are online, when this item is selected, the eRCM Viewer download area will be checked to see if a newer version is available. If so, the latest version will be downloaded and you will be given the option to install it. If you have problems, you can always direct your browser to ACIServicesInc.com/ercmviewer where updates to the software may be downloaded to your PC, extracted and installed. Contents: Shows this Help File. Software License: Redisplays the software agreement license the user accepted before the product could be initially used, or after any upgrades and/or updates were installed. About...: Shows the eRCM Viewer Splash Screen, and the current version of the software.




Printing Graphs

To print any of the curves, simple select Print Graph from the main menu bar. Upon doing this, a preview of the page will be shown on the screen. To print this to a printer, select Print Graph Color (or Print Graph B&W) from the menu bar. Graph Options: If you need to add/change certain items about the current graph, select Options-Settings from the menu. You can change the default titles, font sizes, y-axis scaling, and more.




Print Preview Menus:

• File o Export Raw Graphing Data: Used to export data to a file readable by other graphing software

and spreadsheet applications. This allow you the ability to import the graph data into a different program for even more graph manipulation.

o Setup Printing Multiple Curves: Use when you want to print multiple curves without have to generate each one individually prior to printing. Here, you can specify a range of pressures or speeds and eRCM Viewer will print a series of graphs.

o Print Graph Color: Prints the graph to the select print as a color document.

o Print Graph B&W: Prints the graph to the select print as a black and white document. o Print Load Step Information: Prints a document detailing the definitions for each load step. o Close: Close Print Preview and return to the main eRCM Viewer software.

• Options o Settings: Displays options that allow you to customize the graph. o Copy Image to Clipboard: Places an image of the graph into the Windows clipboard. You may

then paste it into your other document applications.

• Preview Size o Full Screen (100%): Enlarges the Print Preview window. o Others: Adjusts the Print Preview window accordingly.




New Items: Maps/Tables:

To generate tables of loads, flows, isentropic efficiencies, etc., click the Maps/Table menu item and select the desired submenu item. Next, set the ranges of interest and then elect to Update Table. Table data may be copied to spreadsheet programs and/or 3-D plotting programs to visualize the data as a 3-D surface. Display Safety Cushion:

This feature is ideal for operation of manual units. When engaged, it gives the operator a risks rating (Low, Medium, High) of how well the current load step will handle ±2% changes in suction or discharge pressures, ±2% changes in speed and/or ±2% changes in suction temperature, and still keep safely running. When operators need to leave units unmanned (overnight, weekends, extended period) then they can use this feature to select a load step with low risks.




Find Best Unit Flow: This option determines the best flow rate the unit can deliver based on changing load steps, adjusting speed, throttling suction pressure back, and adjusting any variable volume pockets. To prevent billions of possible scenarios from being calculated, eRCM Viewer imposes the following restrictions:

VVPs are only varied if a single load step is specified.

Increments in speed are from a minimum of 2 RPM to a maximum of 5 RPM.

Decrements to suction pressure as it is throttled are from a minimum of 2 psig to a maximum of 5 psig.

When determined, the best flow rate, and its corresponding settings of suction pressure, load step, speed, and VVPs are displayed.

Operator’s Manual:

Displays the PDF version of this document.




Software License ACI SERVICES, INC. SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT LICENSOR: ACI Services, Inc., a member of the BSI Group Notice to User: It is important that you read this document before either opening the sealed package and/or downloading the same from the Internet or other depository, as well as prior to using the obtained demo ACI Services software (the "Software"). By using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If you do not agree, return the Software to ACI Services, Inc. and you will receive a full refund of any license fee you paid. This is a legal document between you ("User") and ACI Services, Inc. The Software is distributed by ACI Services, Inc. and is protected by U.S. intellectual property laws and international treaties. SOFTWARE LICENSE. License Grant. ACI Services, Inc. grants User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, limited license to use the Software with compatible equipment. User is free to use the Software for purposes of demonstration; however, only one purchased data file may be used per operating copy and/or per product; that is when a data file is obtained for a specific compressor and/or a specific site, use is limited to a single data file configured for a single specific compressor or site, each bearing its own identification and/or serial number. Copying. The Software is licensed under a license that permits User to make reasonable archival or backup copies of the Software. Each copy made by User shall include the copyright/proprietary rights notice(s) embedded in and affixed to the Software. All other copying is prohibited. Other Restrictions. User may not loan, distribute, time-share, lease, rent, sublicense or transfer the Software or copies thereof, nor reverse assemble, de-compile or otherwise attempt to discern the source code of the Software, without prior written consent. Unauthorized use is prohibited. User will not knowingly export or re-export the technology and/or software supplied by ACI Services, Inc. or its licensors to any country or entity or for any use prohibited by the U.S. Export Administration Regulations or any other U.S. law, unless properly authorized by the United States Government. Title. Title to the Software is not transferred to User. Ownership of the enclosed copy of the Software and of copies made by User is vested in ACI Services, Inc. or its respective licensors, subject to the rights granted to User in this Agreement. LIMITED WARRANTY. ACI Services, Inc. warrants that the medium upon which the Software is provided by ACI Services, Inc. to User shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of 90 days from the date of User's receipt thereof. DISCLAIMER. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED HEREIN, THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF PERFORMANCE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. USER BEARS ALL RISK RELATING TO QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE. The performance of the Software varies with various manufacturers' equipment with which it is used. ACI Services, Inc. does not warrant the level of performance of the Software or that of earlier versions superseded by new versions (whether or not distributed to User) will continue to be capable of access to and/or use with all equipment. ACI Services, Inc. does not warrant that the Software or the functions contained in the Software will meet User's requirements, operate without interruption, or be error free. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. User's exclusive remedy for breach by ACI Services, Inc. of its limited warranty or for any other claim shall be replacement of any defective medium upon its return to ACI Services, Inc. within the warranty period or, if ACI Services, Inc. is unable to provide a replacement which is free of defect, refund of any license fee paid by User with respect to such medium. In no event will ACI Services, Inc. be liable for any lost profits or other damages, including direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or any other type of damages, arising out of this Agreement or the use of the Software licensed hereunder, even if ACI Services, Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such damages. GENERAL PROVISIONS.




Term and Termination. User may terminate this Agreement by ceasing all use of the Software and destroying all copies thereof. ACI Services, Inc. may terminate this Agreement if User commits a material breach hereof. This Agreement shall also terminate immediately upon User's receipt of a new version of the Software. Upon any termination of this Agreement, User shall cease all use of the Software, destroy all copies thereof then in its possession and take such other actions as ACI Services, Inc. may reasonably request to ensure that no copies of the Software remain in its possession. Effect of Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire understanding between the parties with respect to, and supersede any prior understanding or agreement, oral or written, relating to, the Software. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Ohio. General Provisions. Neither this Agreement nor any part or portion hereof shall be assigned, sublicensed or otherwise transferred by User. Should any provision of this Agreement be held to be void, invalid, unenforceable or illegal by a court, the validity and enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement shall not constitute or be construed as a waiver of such provision or of the right to enforce such provision. U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. The Software and accompanying materials are provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication or disclosure by the government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 or the Commercial Computer Software Restricted Rights clause at FAR 52.227-19 subdivision (c)(1) and (2), as applicable. Licensor is ACI Services, Inc., a member of the BSI Group.

using ercm viewer software r1-3 - aci services, inc.aciservicesinc.com/download_files/using ercm...

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